Tuesday was the big day. I was to take my progesterone shot at 6:45, and drink about 32 oz of water to fill my bladder. We were to show up at the clinic by 8:15 for an 8:45 transfer.
Well all I had were the little hotel cups, so I had no idea how much water I had drunk by the time I got to the clinic. I do know that I was overflowing to the point where I seriously thought I was going to burst. I saw the pictures of the embryos that were to be transferred, but I can hardly remember anything that was said in the consultation room. I was so focused on having to pee. Finally, they took me back to get changed and allowed me to empty a small amount from my bladder. It was not as much as I wanted. I changed into my gown and no slip socks, wrapped my blanket around me, then went to meet my nurse outside the room. She took my vitals and then took me to a large room with a bed that looked like it was out of a horror film. Once I was settled, a square in the wall opened up, and another nurse poked her head in to say hello. I believe she was the embryologist. She and the nurse who was with me were full of smiles and happiness. If I didn't feel like my bladder would explode, I would have been very relaxed. Then, in comes the doctor. The hilarious doctor. I am talking F-U-N-N-Y must be his middle name. He asks how I am doing and then asks if I have to go to the bathroom. I respond with a yes, of course. Then he goes "SSSSssssssss... How do you feel now?" I can't even laugh. I am just trying not to pee on him. As the nurse gets the ultrasound on my stomach and we can actually see my huge bladder next to a little line that is supposed to be the uterus, it becomes even harder to forget that I have to GO. This is especially because Dr. Glassner has decided to talk about rushing water and going swimming.... and even better, he takes a metal pan and empties a syringe filled with water into it. At this point, all I can think is that this guy wants me to pee all over, perhaps he has like a goal or keeps a scorecard. I don't know. I close my eyes and try to meditate, and then Doc says, "It's a proven fact that if a woman is laughing or happy when getting an IVF transfer done, there is a higher chance for success." I think, ahh... well.. anything for a successful transfer. Then in just a few quick moments, the two high quality embryos are sent into my uterus in what Doc calls a "beautiful transfer" I heave a sigh of relief because I can go to the bathroom now, right? Nope. Now I have to lie still and "relax" for five minutes. The nurse took my blood pressure again and laughed because my pressure definitely showed my stress level. I was then set free and directed right to the bathroom. I have never been so happy to see a toilet. Never. I was then moved to change back. Then I went back to the waiting room and met back up with my IPs and my hubby, and the birthday cake the IPs had given him. My hubby and I went straight back to the hotel and watched TV all day. I also had a large coloring book so each of my girls got a picture of barbie colored by me. Yes. I had to go potty horribly, but the whole vibe of Mainline Fertility was one of happiness, and helpfulness. Except when I was changing, I was never alone. I had the same nurse with me the whole time and she seemed to genuinely care about how I was feeling. She did laugh at all of Doc's jokes, but she was also supportive when I asked if anyone had ever actually peed on the table. (yes, by the way.) I wish I could remember her name. I was really distracted though. It might have been Renee' We flew back home the next day. I am still waiting to find out if the transfer took. I did break down and take a home test. It was negative. I think that doesn't mean anything because it is pretty early to detect a pregnancy. I will probably just wait until the blood draw on Monday rather than trying to take another. I am having some symptoms that could be pregnancy, or they could be the progesterone. So, there is no way to know. Think sticky thoughts for me. I will share the news as soon as I am able.
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I have been slacking, as usual. I like to blame it on my creative mind. It jumps from point A to Y to C to L and eventually it all gets done... yes... eventually.
I met my lovely IPs in person almost two weeks ago. They took us on an exploration of Philadelphia, which will be chronicled in my personal blog, since it does not really have to do with the surrogacy process. We got to see so much history, it was just incredible. Here's how it went down. First, I already told you that my uterine lining was not quite thick enough the first time. The second time, I got the go ahead and the phone call with my transfer dates. Here's the thing though, they can't give you an exact date because they really want to wait until the embryos are 5 days old and in the blastocyst stage. In the meantime, they have to check the embryos on day three to make sure they are progressing, and if they are progressing a little more rapidly than they expect, then they will have to so a day 3 transfer instead of day 5. This means that the carrier has to be in town from day 3 to day 5. This was actually kind of neat, because we got to Philly on Saturday night after a scary couple of hours where our flight got cancelled due to snow. We got to meet the IPs and they took us out to dinner at 10pm. I am not sure if I have mentioned this, but my IPs are Chinese. I had mostly spoken with the intended father (IF) on the phone, due to the IM not being as comfortable with her English. It was so lovely to have conversations with her in person (her English is just fine, by the way.) We had wonderful conversation over wonderful food. They also brought gifts for us and for each of my three girls. I, of course, did show up with Graeter's chocolates in hand because anyone who has not been to Cincinnati needs to know the glory of Graeter's. The next day was up in the air because it would be day 3 for the embryos, and I might have gotten a call early in the morning telling me to come in for the transfer. When we didn't get the call, my IPs picked us up at the hotel and took us to Liberty Square to see Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the Constitution Center. Our next goal, which was to get an authentic philly cheesesteak sandwich, failed because it was freezing and the authentic places were all outdoor eating. The next day, the IF had to work, so my husband and I went exploring on our own. I am going to write about the transfer in a separate post because I don't want to get too long winded. Today I had an appointment to have my blood drawn and my uterine lining checked. I will try not to be gross about this part. :P
Basically, I am on estrogen to thicken the walls of the uterus so that they will be primed and ready for the fertilized egg to implant. The fertility doctors want the lining to measure at 6.0. Mine measured today at 5.8-6.4...so basically close, but no cigar. My original 'tentative' transfer dates were between the 13th and 16th of this month. Due to this check not quite meeting expectations, it might be around the 18th. I have to go back next Wednesday for another check. If that one doesn't go well, I fear I will have to restart all of this medication and try again in January. Basically, all I'm saying is that I need this estrogen to work it's butt off and get my lining where it needs to be. I would love to start the new year off with some good news. :) And without Lupron... please. My stomach is getting sore. This Friday will be another doctors appointment with bloodwork and an ultrasound. Once these results are in, if everything goes well, we will be going out to Pennsylvania next weekend for the transfer. Did you hear that? That's like a week and a half away. Like many things lately, this doesn't seem real either. I have been preparing for the transfer for a few months now, and now that it is looming on the horizon I can hardly believe it. I am excited to be pregnant again, and more excited to get to know the IPs better as we take this one of a kind journey together.
My current medications are: Lupron injections, .05cc, which is a very small does that does not cause any adverse side effects. (read: headaches are gone) Estradiol three times a day- no discernible side effects- between this and the lupron, I believe a little weight gain has occurred. Doxycyclene, an antibiotic to clean out my system, so no sickness can halt our transfer. My lovely husband is also taking these with me.This is twice a day, and makes my stomach a little upset if I don't eat enough. Baby aspirin which improves blood flow and possibly improves "stickability" in the uterus. and Prenatal vitamins- in preparation of course. I am feeling fine, though I want to eat a lot and have a particular craving for sweets. This could also be enhanced by the fact that I gave up coffee. I used to use that as a dessert of sorts because with stevia or another calorie free sweetener, it was delicious and wouldn't cause weight gain. I did use cream though. I have been off coffee for weeks now, and I have maybe one soda a week, but I have quit that for good as of this week. I have heard caffeine can mess with the fertilized egg's ability to implant, so I want absolutely none anywhere near my system. I will update when I hear from the clinic after my appointment on Friday. Wish me luck! |